Ireland

Below you can find a complete list of types of animals in Ireland. We currently track 241 animals in the country and add more every day!

Toward the end of the last Ice Age, some 2.6 million years ago, rising sea levels cut Ireland off from the European mainland. This led to the evolution of some uniquely adapted animals on the Emerald Isle, Ireland’s nickname for its immense greenery. Twenty-six terrestrial mammals are native to Ireland, including the Irish hare, the Irish stoat, the Irish grey partridge, and ten species of bats. Though well over 450 unique bird species call Ireland home for at least part of the year, all but two of these species are migratory.

Ireland is known for other species that have flourished there – like the Connemara pony, the athletic ponies known for their sweet dispositions, intelligence, and hardy good health. Wild herds of these ponies run wild in Connemara today, while Connemara ponies are bred all over the world to be show horses.

Galway sheep is a breed that originated in Galway, in the west of Ireland. These large, white-faced sheep are known for their characteristic bob of wool on the tops of their heads and for their wooly legs. Galways are mostly raised for meat but there are efforts to promote the use of their wool.

Far more animal species flourished in Ireland throughout the Ice Age, including the wooly mammoth, the wild horse, the Irish elk (also called giant deer), and a brown bear species thought by biologists to be an ancestor to today’s polar bear. Predatory human hunting likely contributed to these animals’ extinction.

The Official National Animal of Ireland

There’s some controversy over Ireland’s national animal. Many people think it should be the Irish elk; however, this species is extinct. The Irish elk was a large deer about the size of the biggest moose, with the largest antlers of any deer ever to have lived – 13 feet across. These giant deer went extinct during the last ice age around 10,000 years ago – along with dire wolves, saber-tooth tigers, cave lions, mastodons, and others.

The next best choice is the Irish hare, which is the only lagomorph native to Ireland. Irish hares are significantly larger than rabbits, weighing as much as 8 pounds. They’re famous for the predatory boxing behavior they display during early spring as part of their mating rituals. It’s likely that the famous March hare in “Alice in Wonderland” was intended to be an Irish hare.

This sub-species of the mountain hare wears a coat of reddish brown in summer which fades to gray-brown in winter. The Irish hare’s eyes are large on the side of its head and it sports a pure white tail. Like all hares, the Irish variety is a herbivore that eats grasses, heather, herbs, sedges, willow, gorse, and bilberry in winter.

The Top Wild Animals can be found in Ireland’s National Parks

While some Irish fauna like the red fox, the badger, the otter, and the pygmy shrew are fairly evenly distributed throughout the island, others like the Irish hare, the red deer, and the pine marten are more likely to be found in one of Ireland’s six national parks and numerous nature preserves.

From herds of red deer in County Kerry’s Killarney National Park to herds of wild ponies in Connemara – Ireland’s national parks and nature preserves offer a feast for the eyes of every animal and nature lover. The stunning beauty of the green hills spotted with castles and the oceans of breaching whales feature opportunities for spectacular adventures.

• Wicklow Mountains: Protected fauna in the Wicklow Mountains National Park include otters, bats, and endangered bird species such as the whooper swan and the peregrine falcon.
• The Burren: If you want to glimpse the pine marten in its native habitat, the place to go is Burren National Park in County Clare.
• Killarney: In 1981, County Kerry’s Killarney National Park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The yew and oak woodlands comprising this park are some of the only forests remaining on the island and are home to Ireland’s only indigenous herd of red deer.
• Glenveagh: Golden eagles were thought to be extinct in Ireland for many years. Then a breeding pair was sighted, and in 2000, this endemic bird species was reintroduced in Glenveagh National Park where it survived and thrived. Glenveagh also contains Ireland’s largest herd of red deer.
• Connemara: Connemara is most famous for its wild Connemara ponies. According to popular folklore, these mammals originally descended from ponies brought over by the Vikings during the Dark Ages. Connemara also hosts a variety of birds, including chaffinches, kestrels, and snipes, during the warmer months.
• Ballycroy: Ballycroy National Park is a birdwatcher’s delight, hosting dippers, sandpipers, whooper swans, and rare predatory birds such as merlin and peregrine falcons.

Native Birds

Over 450 species of birds reside on the island country, most of which fly through on migratory journeys. Ireland’s geographically isolated location creates unique habitats for a variety of bird species. Bird watching has become a favorite hobby of the locals – and Ireland is a premiere destination for birders worldwide.

Local organizations have set up multiple nature reserves in vulnerable areas, including estuarine marshes, grasslands, and forests, to help protect some of the country’s most adored and threatened avifauna. A few examples of reserves are:

• Kicoole – Grassland behind a shingle beach.
• East Coast Nature Reserve – Murrough Wetlands
• Cuskinny Marsh – Shoreline lagoon, grassland, woodland
• Sheskinmore Lough – Shallow freshwater coastal lagoon set in machair (flat, sandy) grasslands.
• Bishop’s Island – Sallows (lowland grassland) subject to spring flooding

Many other reserves exist in the country. Some particularly sought-out species found within these areas are:

• Puffins
• Greenland White-fronted Geese
• White-tailed Eagles
• Razorbill
• Ringed Plover
• Rose Tern

While many of these beautiful, interesting birds do nestle into natural areas, many common species are also found in locals’ gardens and backyards, making Ireland an exciting place for bird-watching.

Largest Animal

After all native deer had been hunted nearly to extinction, deer had to be reintroduced to this remote island country. By the middle of the 19th century, the last home of the red deer was in the woodlands and mountains of Killarney, County Kerry. The red deer of Kerry is now the only population that is a descendant of the deer brought to Ireland from Scotland 5,000 years ago. Other red deer have been transported since the 1900s and thanks to rigorous protection, are growing in numbers. Red deer are currently the largest land animal in Ireland. Red deer that are not protected in the national parks have been bred with silka, another species of deer imported from Japan, making the red deer of Kerry even more special.

Red deer have a rich, reddish brown coat which fades to greyish brown in winter. Mature stags carry magnificent racks of antlers – containing up to 20 points. The male red deer use their antlers to battle for dominance during mating season.

Native Fish

While the land scenery of Ireland is truly one of a kind, the surrounding coastlines and ocean offer great opportunities for fishing, along with the inland rivers and lakes. Listed below are some of the top spots for fishing in Ireland:

• Cork Harbor – Lined with fishing boats, it is quite obvious that this natural harbor is an excellent area for fishing. Popular species caught here include sea bass, mullet, blonde ray, pollack, conger eel, and blue shark.
• Lakeland Fishery – Three stocked, freshwater lakes offer a quiet, promising spot for carp fishing. Overnight stays are possible through rental lodging.
• The Great Western Lakes – The limestone base of these lakes makes the water alkaline, leading to higher productivity and faster growth rates of fish. The lakes are especially good for trout and salmon fishing.
• Lough Currane – Lough Currane can be considered one of the best trout and salmon fishing spots because it lies directly upstream from the ocean. Wild brown trout populations are high in these waters. Fly fishing is the most popular method of catching here. White-tailed sea eagles were reintroduced to the area, making it popular for birdwatching, as well.
• The River Moy – Fly fishing, spinning, and bait fishing the Moy prove fruitful for catching salmon, as the river is known to be the country’s most productive salmon fishing hotspot, reeling in over 6,000 salmon per year. Large salmon swim the river in spring, averaging nine pounds. Spring salmon run from April to June, while smaller, summer salmon are more prominent in July.

Deep sea fishing and freshwater fishing are both rewarding in Ireland and sightseeing is easy on these excursions.

If you had rather go on a whale-watching excursion instead of catching fish – those are available in Ireland too! From County Cork, minke whales arrive in March and are followed by humpback whales in April. Fin whales can be seen from June onwards. If you don’t fancy a boat ride -visitors to Ireland are able to see these whales from the coasts if the weather is favorable.

Native Snakes

Even though snake species have made their way to Britain, no snake species exist in Ireland and there are no recorded fossils of snakes in the country. Most scientists believe that the most recent ice age, the same one that caused the Irish Elk to become extinct, led to the island being cut off by the cold surrounding seas and keeping snakes out.

Many people believe that the Christian missionary, Saint Patrick, drove the snakes out of Ireland during the fifth century A.D. According to legend, Patrick, also the patron saint of Ireland, chased the snakes into the sea after they attacked him during a 40-day fast that he was taking on top of a hill. Ireland is one of only a few places in the world – including New Zealand, Iceland, Greenland, and Antarctica where snakes don’t exist.

The Most Dangerous Animals In Ireland are Extinct

Contemporary Ireland has had a few dangerous types of animals. Until the beginning of the 18th century, however, grey wolves were common throughout much of Ireland. According to popular folklore, Cormac Ulfada, the most famous of the ancient High Kings of Ireland, was raised by grey wolves and was fluent in their speech.

Wolves and humans maintained an uneasy truce until the decade after Oliver Cromwell conquered Ireland and an enormous amount of anti-wolf legislation was passed. Historical facts show that professional wolf hunters swarmed into Ireland from all parts of Europe, and today, wolves are extinct on the Emerald Isle. The last wild wolf in Ireland is reported to have been killed in 1786.

Zoos in Ireland

Ireland offers stunning views of architecture, natural landscapes, and beautiful wildlife, proving an exceptional travel destination. Adding to the draw are the zoos, wildlife parks, and aquariums that visitors can explore to gain a better understanding of local and exotic flora and fauna. Here are some of the top-rated zoos to visit in Ireland:

• Dublin Zoo – The Dublin Zoo was founded in 1831 by a group of private physicists and anatomists. The London Zoo was the main donator of original species. Now, the zoo features over 600 animals of different species, all in enclosures resembling natural habitats. Animals reside in social groups and are capable of breeding and reproducing on their own. The Dublin Zoo is a registered charity and partners with zoos around the world to further conservation efforts. Animal species include elephants, wolves, colorful birds, sloths, and many others.
• Belfast Zoo – Sitting on 55 acres of land, the Belfast Zoo offers an extensive list of animals for viewing purposes. The zoo suffered damage during WWII but was able to rebuild and bring in more species, now holding around 120 different species. The Belfast Zoo aids conservation efforts around the world and is constantly improving its systems.

Both zoos mentioned providing an incredible way to spend time while in the country learning about animals and worldwide conservation work. Other aquariums and wildlife parks are available to visit, as well.

Rarest Animals

Sadly, there are animals in Ireland that have gone from being part of the everyday landscape to becoming a rare sight. Endangered mammals in Ireland include the otter, the pine martin, and the red squirrel. Unique fish like the gillaroo, pollan, and goureen are also in danger of becoming extinct.

The great yellow bumblebee is an insect that is almost extinct in Ireland. Widely distributed across the country in the past – the bright yellow bee has declined so rapidly that it is now known to be in only a few places. It emerges from hibernation later than most other bees – preventing it to coincide with when grassland floras are at their peak.

The Flag of Ireland

The flag of the Republic of Ireland is a rectangular flag divided into three wide vertical stripes in green, white, and orange, with the green stripe closest to the flag pole. The flag was designed to symbolize the inclusion and union of the people of different traditions on the island of Ireland. According to the constitution of the Republic of Ireland, every person born in Ireland is part of an independent Irish nation, regardless of ethnic origin, religion, or political conviction.

The green of the flag represents Roman Catholics, the orange represents the minority protestants that were supporters of William of Orange. The white in the center signifies a lasting peace and hope for union between the protestants and Catholics of Ireland

Killarney National Park is Most Popular in Ireland

There are six official national parks in Ireland and all are equally beautiful. We covered them in a section above but we wanted to provide a little more information on Ireland’s most popular park, Killarney. Located just outside Killarney town, the park offers stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife including red deer, famous lakes, and historical buildings. Explore the lakes on bike trails or kayaks or take a walk or hike to explore the McGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range.

Visit all six national parks of Ireland for adventure-seeking opportunities, such as trekking, cycling, fishing, boating, and much more!

Irish Animals

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Angelshark

The angelshark’s range has contracted by more than 80% in the past century.

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Apple Moth

In Australia the LBAM causes $21.1 million annually in lost production and control costs

Arctic Char

Arctic char is the northern-most fish; no other fish lives anywhere further north!

Armyworm

They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Atlantic Cod

One of the most popular food fishes in the world

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Badger

Can reach speeds of 30 km/h!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Beewolf wasp

They hunt bees

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black and White Warbler

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Brown-banded Cockroach

Females glue egg cases to furniture

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Cat

First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chamois

Natively found in the European mountains!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common Frog

Found throughout the European continent!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Common Loon

Also known as the Great Northern Diver

Common Raven

A group of ravens is called an unkindness or a conspiracy.

Common Toad

Most active in wet weather!

Cormorant

They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Crane

Many are critically endangered species!

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cuckoo

Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dormouse

Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Eagle

Has exceptional eyesight!

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Edible Frog

Are known to guard the muddy banks!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Eider

Eiders are sexually dimorphic, with males being larger and more colorful.

English Longhorn Cattle

Although they look similar to the Texas Longhorn, they are not closely related.

Ermine

A very bold and ferocious predator!

Eurasian Bullfinch

The shy eurasian bullfinch prefers to forage very close to cover.

European Goldfinch

They are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, especially those containing niger seeds.

European Polecat

Its fur changes color in the winter!

European Robin

Male robins are so aggressive and territorial that they will attack their own reflections.

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

Fallow deer

The fallow deer has more variation in its coat colors than most other deer.

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Ferret

Ferrets can be trained to do tricks like dogs!

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Fox

Only 12 species are considered "true foxes"

Frizzle Chicken

Frizzle chickens are known for their frizzled feathers, which result from a genetic mutation.

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Gadwall

They make many sounds when trying to attract a mate.

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

German Wirehaired Pointer

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glen Of Imaal Terrier

This dog is also named the Wicklow Terrier after the county of its origin.

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Goldcrest

The goldcrest never starts moving and needs to consume for most of the day to survive. Therefore, in the colder months, it's best that eat 90% a day.

Golden Irish

They can be known as Velcro dogs because they like sticking around and are always near their owners.

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Gray Catbird

Their songs have cat-like qualities and can mimic other birds and animals, like tree frogs.

Gypsy Moth

One of the most invasive species in the world

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Harbor Porpoise

Surprisingly, not a dolphin!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hedgehog

Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Highland Cattle

Natively found in the Scottish Highlands!

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Hoopoe

Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Irish Setter

Has a beautiful coat that's flowing and feathered!

Irish Terrier

An average 300 Irish Terrier puppies are born each year in the United States.

Irish Water Spaniel

They are the only known dogs with a purple hue!

Irish WolfHound

Sweet-tempered, patient and thoughtful!

Jackdaw

The jackdaw tends to mate for life with a single partner

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Kerry Blue Terrier

They are born black, and turn gray-blue as they age.

King Eider

The species name, spectabilis, is Latin for “showy” or “remarkable,” referencing the attractiveness of the adult male’s plumage.

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Lemming

Does not hibernate during the bitter Arctic winter!

Linnet

While linnets are monogamous during mating season, they do not mate for life. While breeding pairs are together, the males are highly territorial and will defend the nesting site and the surrounding area.

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Long-Eared Owl

Ear tufts make it look bigger!

Long-Tailed Tit

Often hangs upside down while feeding!

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Marsh Frog

Has bright green skin!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Merganser

They line their nests with their feathers

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Natterjack

Can lay up to 7500 eggs

Neanderthal

Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

Nematode

Nematodes range in size from 1/10 of an inch to 28 feet long

Newt

Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

Night Heron

When they feel threatened juvenile night herons vomit their stomach contents.

Nightingale

Named more than 1,000 years ago!

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Northern Pintail

Northern pintails migrate at night with speeds reaching 48 miles per hour!

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Ortolan Bunting

The tradition of hiding your face with a napkin or towel while eating this bird was begun by a priest who was a friend of the great French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin.

Osprey

They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Otterhound

Otterhounds have webbed feet making them great swimmers!

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Peppered Moth

Teachers in schools often use the evolution of the peppered moth as a good example of Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pig

Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pike Fish

Pine Marten

A pine marten can jump from tree to tree similar to a squirrel.

Pink Salmon

The smallest of the North American salmon

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Pool Frog

The rarest amphibian in the UK!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Puffin

Can remain in the water for up to 2 minutes!

Purple Emperor Butterfly

Inhabits deciduous forests!

Puss Moth

Caterpillars squirt formic acid!

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 300 different species!

Raccoon

Known to wash their food before eating it!

Raccoon Dog

The only hibernating canine!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Red Deer

A male red deer shows his age in his antlers, which become longer and more branched every year.

Red Kite

This bird moves its tail to steer its body like a rudder on a boat.

Redstart

They build their nests off the ground in tree holes, cavities, stone walls, and roofs

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Sand Lizard

Males turn green in spring!

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Sea Roach

They breathe through gills but live on land

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Short-Eared Owl

The short-eared owl is one of the most widespread owl species in the world, covering five continents.

Shrew

The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Snowy Owl

One of the largest owl species in the world!

Song Thrush

A male song thrush can have over 100 phrases in his repertoire of songs and can imitate pet birds, telephones and other man-made objects.

Spadefoot Toad

They spend most of their time underground!

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stoat

Average adults weigh about 200 grams!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Swallowtail Butterfly

N/A

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Teacup Miniature Horse

Female teacup minis become sexually mature between 2 and 5 years old, but breeders typically wait until their horse is 3 before letting her reproduce to prevent complications.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Thornback Ray

The skate with the biggest spines!

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tiger Moth

The bright colors of this moth are a signal to predators that it has a terrible taste.

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Vole

The largest Vole species in the UK!

Weasel

The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!

Wheaten Terrier

Originally bred as a farm dog, the Wheaten Terrier can be very protective of its domain.

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

Willow Warbler

This bird molts twice a year.

Winter Moth

Only the males fly and the females walk.

Wolf

Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodlouse Spider

Unlike most spiders, woodlouse spiders don’t build a web.

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Xeme (Sabine’s Gull)

They follow after seals and whales to eat their scraps.

Yellowhammer

It interbreeds with the pine bunting

Zebra Mussels

A female zebra mussel can deposit 30,000 to 1,000,000 eggs each year!

Irish Animals List